Follow Us @jadephotographs

April 11, 2013

I have really been enjoying my calling at Church. Being the Primary President has been the most amazing experience. Along with that I am the activity day girl leader. I love doing fun new things with the girls. We always have so much fun. This past week the topic was self esteem. I had planned on making mirrors. But after several failed attempts at different ideas, I decided to go with the thing I do best. Photography! So I got ahold of the YW President to see if we could maybe do our activity together and the girls could help each other do their hair all beautiful. I started out by telling my own personal struggles with low self esteem. It was really an amazing experience. I understand what alot of them are going through. Being a teenage girl is really hard. I wanted to show each of them how beautiful they are. They had no idea what was going to happen before the arrived. They were dressed in grubbies, and gym clothes, no make up or very little. Messy hair, and basically looking tired. It was the perfect time for a photo session!

I have many more posts to come in reference to General Conference. I was touched by all the beautiful messages by our inspired leaders of the church. I am grateful to be a member of such a marvelous church. The love, hope and faith they bring into my heart makes me want to be a better a person.

My mother is the greatest example of the quote. She is always in her garden creating a beautiful display of Spring flowers. She understands that in order to receive the reward of beautiful flowers she must do the work. She is my best friend, (well her and my husband) she has been the best example ofhard work, dedication,love & support.

Preparation

For filling:

Place husks in large pot or large bowl; add water to
cover. Place heavy plate on husks to keep submerged. Let stand until
husks soften, turning occasionally, at least 3 hours and up to 1 day.

Preheat broiler. Line heavy baking sheet with foil.
Arrange tomatillos on prepared sheet. Broil until tomatillos blacken in
spots, turning once, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer tomatillos and
any juices on sheet to processor and cool. Add jalapenos and garlic to
processor and blend until smooth puree forms. Heat oil in medium
saucepan over medium-high heat. Add tomatillo puree and boil 5 minutes,
stirring often. Add broth. Reduce heat to medium; simmer until sauce
coats spoon thickly and is reduced to 1 cup, stirring occasionally,
about 40 minutes. Season with salt. Mix in chicken and cilantro. (Can be
made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)

For dough:

Making the dough is a little tougher. It's really about feel. You want it to be almost sticky. So I dump the masa out on the counter I add the seasonings I want to taste then alternate chicken broth & vegetable oil. Massaging the dough together to form a soft ball. You want it to stick together really well. If you make a ball and flatten it and there are no cracks you have achieved the right consistency. It does take practice.

Fill bottom of pot with steamer insert with enough water
(about 2 inches) to reach bottom of insert. Line bottom of insert with
some softened corn husks. Open 1 large husks on work surface. Spread a handful of dough in the center of the husk, leaving 2- to 3-inch
plain border at narrow end of husk. Spoon heaping tablespoon filling in
strip down center of each dough square. Fold long sides of husk and
dough over filling to cover. Fold up narrow end of husk, leaving wide end of tamale open.
Stand tamales in steamer basket. Repeat with more husks, dough, and
filling until all filling has been used.

Bring water in pot to boil. Cover pot and steam tamales
until dough is firm to touch and separates easily from husk, adding more
water to pot as necessary, about 45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. (Can
be made 2 days ahead. Cool 1 hour. Cover and chill. Before serving,
re-steam tamales until hot, about 35 minutes.)

April 4, 2013

We went to Champoeg Park. Neither of has had ever been there before. It was an amazingly beautiful day. The sun was out, clear skies, a mild breeze. It was a perfect day for a hike. We packed a picnic and the dog, and hiked a couple miles around the park. It was a lovely day. We have to take advantage of these sunny days and the time we can spend together.